Key information

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Institution code: R72

Campus: Egham

UK fees*: £12,000

International/EU fees**: £27,000

The course

History: Crusader Studies (MA)

Royal Holloway’s History Department has enjoyed a prominent global position in Crusader Studies for almost fifty years and in 2022 the college hosted the most recent quadrennial international conference for crusade scholars. This specialised pathway within the MA History provides an engaging and original course for those looking to pursue further study in the crusades. We have a strong track record in producing doctoral students, and we welcome students looking to enhance their knowledge beyond BA level or who simply want to immerse themselves in the subject for its own interest.

This pathway offers a unique and fascinating examination of the ideas, impact and personalities of this compelling subject from the medieval age to the present day. Options cover a range of themes, including Women and the Crusades and the Byzantine Empire and the Crusades. That on Louis IX, Mongols and Mamluks takes the study of the crusades beyond the usual remit of BA courses and into the thirteenth century. The option on the Memory and Legacy of the Crusades is unique in the world and provides huge flexibility in its approach, covering topics from nineteenth century colonialism, through World War I, Arab Nationalism and al-Qaeda and ranging across materials that include romantic literature, plays, films and video games. Taken together, this combination allows you to look at the world of the crusades from a variety of perspectives and, in conjunction with your tutors, to formulate and hone a topic for the dissertation that you will write in the last phase of the course.

One 30-credit module sits at the centre of the pathway. This is the core module, The Research Development Course, which emphasises the skills that are required for postgraduate research in Crusader Studies, irrespective of the specific area in which you choose to specialise. You then choose three further modules, two of which must be on a crusading/medieval topic.

As part of the University of London, you will have the opportunity to participate in events taking place beyond Royal Holloway. Your registration includes membership the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) in Senate House, London WC1 for the duration of your studies. Staff from the History Department convene the ‘Crusades and Eastern Mediterranean’ seminar at the IHR, meeting four times per term. You are warmly encouraged to join this friendly academic community that hears papers from a spectrum of home and international speakers, ranging from postgraduate students to world-leading scholars. You will also have access to specialist libraries in and around Senate House such as the Warburg Institute.

You may choose to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Crusader Studies, taking on the taught part of the course without completing the dissertation. This is designed for those who want advanced instruction in Crusader Studies but cannot commit to undertaking an independent research project. The MA and Postgraduate Diploma are designed to be flexible, so you can study either of them full time or part time.

We offer a wide range of postgraduate scholarships to help with funding your studies. We especially encourage eligible applicants to apply for one of the following:

Brian Harris scholarship – full tuition fee reduction plus £14,800 research, living and travel costs for UK students with, or expected to achieve, a First Class degree.

Dinah and Jessica Nichols scholarship – £12,000 scholarship for Home/EU or international students with, or expected to achieve, a First Class degree or equivalent.

We also have two awards specifically for the MA in Crusader Studies:

The Peter Le Grys Prize. Awarded annually in the memory of this former student of the College, and to the value of £1500.

The St John Historical Society Award, given annually and to the value of £500.

Please contact the MA Course Director for further details.

We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Course structure

Core Modules

All students pursuing the MA in Medieval Studies and the MA in Crusader Studies take this module, and so it creates and fosters an intellectual community of medievalists during your time on the degree. The module aims to make you aware of the issues and topics associated with the study of the Middle Ages on a wide and interdisciplinary basis, give you the skills that you need to undertake research in the field of Medieval Studies, and provide opportunities for you to engage in and practise academic dismodule, particularly in an oral context.
1. Using the skills learned during the taught parts of your MA, you will carry out your own independent research project. You will write a thesis of around 15,000 words on a topic of your choice which critically reflects upon established scholarship and provides original insight and independent judgements.
This module will describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described. Activities, with feedback, will provide you with opportunities to reflect and develop your understanding of academic integrity principles.

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Crusading and Medieval Options

In any year, a selection from the following list will be available. Note that not all options will be available in every year.

The crusading movement arose at a time of significant change for women. This module considers the role of noble women in providing political stability through regency and marriage after the First Crusade in the Latin society established in the East, including the dramatic reign of Queen Melisende of Jerusalem, and the effects of crusading on women who remained in the West. You will examine how medieval historians used gendered language and moral tales to express their disapproval of women who took the cross, and the role of women in supporting crusader battles, often becoming the casualties of warfare.
This module traces the response of the rulers of the Byzantine Empire to the First Crusade, which passed through their territory in 1096-7. The events of the First Crusade - its preaching by Urban II in 1095, its arrival at Constantinople in 1096-7, its progress through Byzantine territory to Antioch, the ‘third wave’ of 1101 – will all be discussed in this context through a range of Byzantine and Western source material in translation.
This module takes a long-term view of the crusade which captured and sacked Constantinople, the capital city of the Byzantine empire, in April 1204. Starting in around 1192, it places events in the context of relations between the Byzantines and previous crusades, of the internal situation of the empire and of the position in the Latin east in the aftermath of the Third Crusade. It then examines how the Fourth Crusade was preached and planned, how it was diverted first to Zara and then to Constantinople, and how it came to attack and pillage the city.
In this unique and ground-breaking module you will develop an understanding of the memory, impact and legacy of the crusades in the West and Muslim world since the medieval period. You will look at the evolution and mutation of the crusading idea over (especially) the last 200 years, examining how and why the European colonial and imperial powers adopted crusading during the nineteenth century, and how the idea was used in World War 1 and by General Franco in the Spanish Civil War. We will also consider how the idea has taken on, in the West, a more secular meaning. You will analyse how crusade and jihad have been treated in the Muslim Near East, tracing cultural developments in theatre and poetry, as well as politics and religion, from the nineteenth to the present day, with particular emphasis on the figure of Saladin, the hero of the Muslim world for recovering Jerusalem from the crusaders. We will see how his image, and the memory of the crusades has been used by Islamists such as Osama bin Laden and Arab Nationalists such as Nasser of Egypt, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Hafez al-Asad of Syria and Yasser Arafat and the Palestinians.
This module investigates the origins of the Seventh Crusade; the progress and outcome of the campaign; the presence of Louis IX in the East, 1250-54; the writing of John of Joinville; the end of the Ayyubid dynasty and the emergence of the Mamluks; the emergence of the Mongols into the consciousness of western Europe; how the papacy tried to understand and react to this; the aims and motives of the missionary journeys of the 1240s and 1250s; their outcomes and the reasons therein.
This module explores the significance of pilgrimage in the medieval world through a combination of contextual study of the ideals and practices associated with this dimension of medieval piety, and specific study of contemporary pilgrimage accounts from the fourth to fifteenth centuries. You will explore a wide range of topics including the practice of pilgrimage in religious traditions from Late Antiquity onwards, Saints' cults and sacred space, specific pilgrimage destinations, pilgrims' writings, gender, class, and material culture.
This module examines the development of Arthurian literature and legend across four centuries and three languages. Beginning with Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain, it focuses on the different ways in which Arthur’s reign was represented and understood in the Middle Ages.
This interdisciplinary module explores the traditions and forms and varieties of medieval story-telling, through an in-depth study of two major works of literature. These may be texts in Old or Middle English, French, Latin, and Italian; all texts are read in translation, with opportunities to explore the original languages too.
In this module you will develop an understanding of the Old English poetic tradition, particularly as exemplified by the Exeter Book Riddles. You will look at unusual perspectives on Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, and examine topics such as military, religious and everyday worlds, the wonders of creation, animals, sources and analogues, sexuality and runic riddles.
This module examines a wide range of prose and poetry written in and about medieval London. You will explore the way that London, its inhabitants and its institutions are represented in medieval literature, and consider the city as a place where texts were composed and books were made.

Teaching & assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.

Entry requirements

2:2

UK Lower Class Honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in History or a related subject in the Humanities or Social Sciences.

Relevant professional qualifications and work experience in an associated area will be considered.

While a background in medieval history is helpful, it is by no means essential. The primary factors required are considerable motivation and a willingness to read widely and to engage with diverse cultures and ideologies from the perspective of the medieval world.

We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. We occasionally invite candidates to interview, usually in cases where we would like more information on which to base a decision. Applicants unable to attend, such as overseas students, will be interviewed by telephone.

One academic reference is required as part of the application before assessment is made. A second reference may be required.

Applicants may be asked to prvoide a 1,500-2,000 word critical essay.

When applying for the MA History: Crusader Studies course please select MA History from the list of courses and then select MA History: Crusader Studies from the pathway menu.

International & EU requirements

Bachelor degree from the American University of Armenia or a Specialist diploma with 80% or a GPA of 3.5 overall.

Bachelor degree (Honours) with a 2:2 or a Bachelor degree (Ordinary) with a Pass with 58% overall.

Bachelor degree or Fachhochschuldiplom/Diplom (FH) with a Grade 3.9 overall.

Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5 or 70% overall.

4 year Bachelor degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) with a First Class Division or a Masters Degree following a 3 or 4 year degree.

Bachelor degree with grade 12 overall or the Licentiaat or Licence and other two cycle diplomas with grade 12 overall.

Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani with Grade 8

Bakalavar or Diploma of Completed Higher Education with a Grade 4 out 6 overall.

4 year Bachelor degree with 62%, a GPA 2.5 out of 4, Grade 6 out of 12 or grade C+ overall OR 3 year Bachelor degree with 73%, a GPA of 3.1 out of 4, Grade 8 out of 12 or grade B overall, depending on the grading scheme.

4 year Bachelors degree with an overall 70% to 75% or GPA of 2.8 to 3.0 out of 4.0 depending on the institution.

3 out of 5 overall in the Baccalaureus Prvostupnik or Visoko Obrazovanja/Level VII/1 (second level degree obtained on completion of 4-6 year course).

Overall 6.5 out of 10 or a GPA of 2.85 out of 4 in a Bachelor degree from a public university, Ptychion (from University of Cyprus) or Bachelor degree awarded by a private institution (the programme must be accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture).

Bakalar with dobre (good), score of 2 or Grade C overall.

7 from 13 points grading system or 4 from 7 points grading system in a Bachelor degree, Candidatus Philosophiae or Professionbachelor.

University bachelors degree with a GPA of 2.4 overall or 65% overall

75%, 2.5 or C overall in a Bakalaurusekraad/Diploma, Magister or Magistrikraad

GPA of 1 where marks are in 1 - 3 system or GPA of 2.3 where marks are in 1 - 5 system in a Kandidaattii/Kandidat or Maisteri/Magister

Licence awarded from 2009 with grade 12 or Maitrise (pre-Bologna) with grade 11

Grade 3 overall in a Bachelor, Fachhochschuldiplom or Magister Artium

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Lower Division overall.

6 out of 10 overall in a Diploma from the Faculties of Engineering and Agriculture or a Ptychion (Bachelor degree) awarded by an AEI.

Bachelors degree degree with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division.

Egyetemi Oklevel /Foiskola Oklevel/ Alapfokozat with 3 out of 5 overall.

Baccalaurreatus with grade 6.5 out of 10 overall or Kandidatsprof / Cadidatus Mag with 6 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree with 55% to 60% overall or a CGPA of 5.5 to 6 out of 10 overall depending on the institution.

Bachelor degree or Diploma IV with overall GPA of 2.8.

Bachelor Degree/Professional Doctorate with 13 out of 20 overall.

Bachelor’s degree (four years) with 70% overall.

Bachelors degree with at least 75% overall depending on the mark scheme.

Diploma di Laurea or Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti with 84 out of 110 overall.

Bachelor degree (Gakushi) with a B overall, dependent on the mark scheme.

Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5, 70% or 3.0 out of 4.33 overall.

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours (lower division) overall.

Bachelor degree with B or a GPA of 3.0 overall.

Bakalaura Diploms or Professional Bakalaura Diploms with Grade 6 overal.

Dipl Ing (FH) or Dipl Arch (FH) from Liechtenstein Technical College with a Grade 4 overall.

7 out of 10 overall in a Bakalauras or Specialist Diploma.

Bachelor degree, Diplome d?Ingenieur Industriel or Dipl?me d'?tudes Sup?rieures Sp?cialis?es with 40 out of 60 or 14 out of 20 (Bien) overall.

Bachelor degree with Class 2 Division ii, B or 2.8 out of 4.0 overall.

Honours degree with a Second Class (Lower Division) overall.

Bachelor degree or Doctoraal with Grade 6.0 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree Honours or Ordinary with an overall Grade C+ or Grade 3 out of 9 points grading system.

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division or overall GPA of 2.5 out of 5.

Visoko Obrazovanja with 7 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeni-r (siv. ing.) (Engineering degree ) or Sivil?konom (siv. ?k.) (Economics degree) Grade D or 2.6 to 3.2.

Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 2.6.

4 year Bachelor degree or combined bachelors degree and Master degree for the duration of 4 years with 58% - 65% or a CGPA of 2.8 - 3.2 overall depending on your institution.

Licencjat, Inzynier or Bachelor with grade 3.71 overall.

Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializadoswith grade 14 overall or Licenciado with grade 13 overall.

Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 overall.

Diploma de Licenta, Diploma Inginer or Diploma de Arhitect with 7.0 out of 10 overall.

Bakalavr Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5 or 70% overall.

Bachelor degree with 70%, 3.0 out of 5.0 or 2.8 out of 4.0 overall.

Diplom Visokog Obrazovanja (second-level degree obtained on completion of a four to six-year course) with 7.5 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree (from a public university) with a Class II (lower) overall.

Bakalar or Magister / Inzinier with vel'mi dobre (very good) or Grade 2 overall.

Diplomirani / Diplomirani Inzenir from Visoko izobrazevanje, University Diploma or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) with 7 out of 10 (8 for Visoko Obrazovanja) overall.

Bachelor (Honours), Bachelor or Professional Bachelor degree with 60% or Second Class Lower Division.

Bachelor (Haksa) degree with 3.0 out of 4.5, 2.9 out of 4.3 or 2.8 out of 4.0.

Licenciado, Titulo de Ingeniero or Titulo de Arquitecto with 6 out of 10.

Bachelor degree from National University or Private University with 68% to 73% or GPA 2.8 to 3.0 depending on your institution.

Bachelor degree with a 2nd Class Honours (Lower) overall.

Bachelor degree GPA 2.6 to 2.8 depending on your institution.

Bachelor degree (post 2007) or Specialist Diploma (after 1991) with a Grade 3, 9 out of 12 or 4 out of 5 overall.

Bachelor degree with 80%, a GPA of 2.8 out of 4, C+ or Good overall.

Bachelor degree with a GPA of 2.6 overall.

Kandidatexamen with at least a Pass (godkand) overall.

Bachelor degree or Bang tot nghiep dai hoc with 6.5 out of 10.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall. No subscore lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English: 67 overall. No other subscore lower than 64.
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
TOEFL iBT: 88 overall with Reading 22 Listening 20 Speaking 22 Writing 24.
Duolingo: 120 overall and no sub-score below 115.

Your future career

Students take this MA first and foremost out of a passion for the subject and then, either to extend their undergraduate interest in the Crusades, or to return to the academic field after time in the workplace.

For some, the MA is a springboard to further research and we have a really strong record in providing the impetus, the intellectual development, the environment and the training to undertake doctoral work. To date, 15 former students on the module have, or are in the process of, completing PhDs. No less than 11 academic monographs have been published by these individuals.

For others, the MA is where they complete their studies and afterwards they wish to enter, or re-enter, the world of work, having hopefully enjoyed the module, learned more about the world of the crusades and enhanced their skills as communicators, researchers, analysts and listeners. While Crusader Studies may sound a little niche, the tremendous variety of career paths followed by its former students suggest that all options are open. Graduates from the MA have entered:

Government (UK Civil Service and a European Foreign Office)
Overseas Charity work
Publishing
School Teaching (UK and Overseas)
The Heritage Industry (National Archives, National Trust)
The Metropolitan Police
University of London Professional Services
The Financial World: International Financial Trading
Senior Banking Management
Senior Management
Human Resources
The Travel Industry
Law

Fees, funding & scholarships

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £12,000

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £27,000

Other essential costs***: You will need to purchase two essential text books costing approximately £25

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding.

** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.